EAST KANE — The Wetmore Township Supervisors reported health insurance rates will increase for township employees and supervisors by 3.5-percent at renewal next month, although their insurance provider, Davevic Benefit Consultants of Grove City, said the township may receive a small perk in their new policy, even if only for a month.
The township has two options, according to supervisor and secretary-treasurer Elaine Bodistow. Wetmore can elect to renew its current UPMC PPO plan which would allow them to be “grandmothered” for another year, Bodistow said, or they can change to an Affordable Care Act plan.
According to an email from Michael Johnson of Davevic, the township would receive an extension of one month if they elected to be “grandmothered” in. Wetmore would receive a $0 deductible for December 2017, and renew on Jan. 1, 2018, effectively receiving a 13-month rate, Johnson’s email read.
The township’s current plan has a $2,500 deductible, $20 co-pay on doctor’s visits, and $40 co-pay on urgent care.
Bodistow pointed going with Obamacare backed health plans would skyrocket township premium costs. She said one provider, Health America, would increase township premiums by 77 percent.
However, the township picks up the deductible for the road crew and supervisors, a perk township resident Terry Carson is not too thrilled about.
Carson asked point blank if the township picked up the tab for the deductible. Bodistow confirmed those covered in the township health care plan have a health savings account of which Davevic keeps track. She told Carson the account pays the co-pay amount for the employees and supervisors. However, Carson opined the move is a burden to taxpayers.
“You’re going to be hard pressed to find (any employee) in the nation not contributing to health insurance,” Carson said.
Township auditor Don Payne, also the Kane borough manager, said participants in the Kane borough health care plan pay five percent of their premium and $1,500 of their deductible. Payne estimated the savings to the borough to be approximately $5,000.
Payne said Kane uses a municipal trust from Pittsburgh which allows their participants to select between Highmark and UPMC insurance plans at the same rate. He noted three other plans are offered at a much higher rate.
Supervisor Steve Chittester said he was not opposed to renegotiation with township employees and his fellow supervisors in a move to save money, acknowledging money is “tough for everyone.” Chittester also noted all plans appear to be placing emphasis on wellness programs.
The township will hold a budget work session at 6 p.m. Oct. 25, and the next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 1.
